[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN TRIBUTE TO MR. HAZELLE ``VON'' HICKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one 
of our nation's true pioneers, a man who has graced the United States 
with his bravery and service, both as a Tuskegee Airman and an 
outstanding citizen of Milwaukee where he resided for over 50 years. 
The man I am talking about, Mr. Hazelle ``Von'' Hickman died March 14, 
2007. Mr. Hickman's death came just two weeks before the Tuskegee 
Airmen were belatedly honored in Washington, D.C. with the 
Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor that can be conferred 
by Congress on March 29, 2007.
  Mr. Hickman enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1940. He became one of 
the Tuskegee Airmen specializing in weapons maintenance and enemy 
aircraft plotting. The Tuskegee Airmen were a dedicated, determined 
group of young men who fought many obstacles and extreme prejudice to 
become America's first Black military airmen. Mr. Hickman was stationed 
in New Guinea and the Philippines. He received a Philippines Liberation 
Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 
with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and a Citation from President 
Truman before his Honorable Discharge.
  Mr. Hickman received the JC Penney Golden Rule Award in recognition 
of outstanding volunteer service, was a leader in his neighborhood 
block watch, and was active in local politics. He was blessed with an 
outstanding singing voice and was a member of the Senior Choir at 
Shiloah Evangelical Lutheran Church and was the first African American 
member of the Pabst Choir.
  Mr. Hickman was born in Inverness, Mississippi, on February 14, 1920. 
After completing military service, Mr. Hickman moved to Milwaukee in 
1946. He worked for Pabst Brewery and retired after a 30 year tenure. 
Mr. Hickman met and married his wife of 60 years, Minnie (nee Prince) 
in Milwaukee. He is survived by his daughter, Gina Hickman, and sons 
Craig Hickman and Jop Blom and many relatives and friends. I am honored 
to have this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Hickman for his singular 
courage and unwavering commitment to our country and to Milwaukee.

                          ____________________